Places of Interest

Talpagiri Ranganathaswamy Temple

RanganathaSwamy Temple

Sri Talapagiri Ranaganatha swamy Temple is located in Nellore city and is about 5kms away from Nellore Bus stand. RanganadaSwamy Temple in Nellore is more than 600years old. This temple is situated on the banks of the river Pennar and is marked by a huge 29 Mts tall Galigopuram with seven gold kalasams and its architectural splendour. The annual Rath Yathra of the God is a much awaited ritual in Nellore. There are seven kalisams, which brings beauty to the temple. Every year during the month of March-April (varies according to Hindu calendar) grand festival is celebrated. These are called Brahmotsavam. On the bank of river penna sri kashyapa Maharshi performed yagna and as a fruit of his penance conferred upon him the gift of establishing himself as Ranganadha Swamy at Nellore in 7th cebtury, by Pallava ruler Sri Rajaraja Narendra. Subsequently in 13th century Sri Jatha Varma has offered precious stones and metal to Lord Ranganadha Swamy. The Andhra Maha Bharatam i.e. from Viratprvam to the end of the epicwas written by the poet Sri kavi Brahma Tikkana, on the bank of pennar river. On the east there is seven storied Maha gopuram, south Sri Ranganayaki Lakshmi Devi) temple and beautiful mirror dias, west is sacred Pennar river and north Sri Andal Ammavari temple.

Jonnawada

Jonnawada Kamakshi Temple

Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy kamakshi tai temple, Jonnawada which is located about 12 kms from Nellore. The destination is also well connected for Railway station at Nellore. A famous Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Kamakhsi tai temple is located on the bank of river Pennar, 12 Km from Nellore. It attracts many piligirims. The Village is part of Buchireddipalem Mandal. In tretayuga Mahamuni Kasyapa Brahma performed yagna and pleased Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy thus this place is named as ‘Yagnavatika Jonnawada’. Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Kamakhsi tai grant to the innumerable devotes their desires, as their God head. Since then he continues conferring boons and his blessings on his devotees. This temple is constructed in the year 1150( Tretayuga). The goddess Kamkshi is belived as an incarnation of Shakti. A ‘Sri Chakram’ was installed here by Sri Jagadguru Sankaracharya. Pilgrims take a holy dip in the lake known as Kachpateertham, near the temple, which washes away all their bad karma. Brahma Rushi Sri Kashyap Mahamuni visited Bhoolokam (The Earth) and wanted to perform Yagna and chosen north of vedadri as Yagna Vatika (place to perform yagna) After successful completion of the Yagna a bright light appeared. It has spread over the whole bhoolokam. Later Lord Eswara appeared as Lord Mallikarjuna, who came out from fire of Yagna.

Narasimhakonda

Narasimha Konda

Vedagiri Lakshmimarasimha Swamy devastanam came into being nearly 500 years ago, on the summit of Narasimhakonad. According to the rock inscriptions, this temple was built by the Pallava king Narsimha Varma in the ninth century. Legend goes that the sage Kasyapa established the temple on the bank of Pinakini. And the vedic scripture Brahmapurana reveals that the seven sages (Saptarishis) performed ‘yagnam'(Sacrifice) on the top of Narasimhakonda. The seven (Koneru) tanks were renovated with Mandapas on the hilltop . The holy place lies 15Km. away from Nellore, on the southern bank of the river Pinakini. Every year ‘Brahmotsavams’ are celebrated here in the month of May. Jonnawada is to the north of the river.

Penchalakona

This is a very ancient sacred place (pilgrim centre). Lord Narasimha manifested Himself here as a huge of rock in ‘Yoga mudra'(in an entwined contemplative posture) and hence it acquired the name of ‘Penusila’ (huge rock) and in course of time became famous as ‘Penchalakona’. Legend has it that after slaying the demon Hiranya Kasipa, Lord Narsimha bathed in Penchalakona and withdrew that ‘Avatara'(incarnation) of Narasimha, shedding His anger and ferocity. The Lord here goes by the name of Somasila Narasimhaswamy and has become one of the Nava Narasimhas (nine manifestations). People belive that because the sage Kanva resided in this area in the past, the river flowing here acquired the name Kanva Nadi and that with efflux of time it became Kandaleru. It is also learnt that the temple was renovated in the 10th century.

Somasila Dam

Somasila Dam, Nellore District

Somasila is one of the biggest Irrigation Project in the District. The project is envisaged to create Irrigation potential. It is constucted across River Pennar and is situated near Somasila Village of Ananthasagaram Mandal, Nellore District. Since it is located in eastern ghats situated at the out skirts of the district, natural beauty is nose worthy. There is a temple in the village called Someswara Temple blessed by the Lord Siva on the other side of River Pennar an Ashram is situated. Tourist Population including school children are gradually increasing owing to its importance. It can be developed as a Very good Tourist Centre.

Kandaleru Dam

Kandaleru Dam, Nellore District

Kandaleru Dam which is located about 60 kms away form Nellore. The destination is also well connected for State Highway from Nellore to Kadapa via Rapur & Rajampet. It was constructed across the Kandaleru river. This river originates in Velegonda hills and it flows across Gudur . This being Worldâ??s Biggest Earth Dam with 68 TMC Water Storage spread over 11 kilometre which is supplying Drinking water to Tamilanadu is a Pictorious Spot with Hillocks and Forest around. One Government Guest house has constructed with 4 suites, Meeting hall and a Dnining hall with kichen for official purpose. It attracts many pilgrims. The Dam is a part of Rapur Mandal.

Udayagiri Fort

Udayagiri Fort, Nellore District

Udayagiri Fort which is Located about 100 kms. From Nellore. Udayagiri Fort commanding at a hight of 3079 feet. Boasts of great natural beauty. The hill side has lush vegetation and beautiful waterfalls. The ruined fort is attracting the Tourists in a big way. However, the acccess is only by steps and there is no road to the Fort. During the rule of the Gajapathis and the Vijayanagar Rulers, this Town grew to great splendour. The ruins of 365 Temples found in the Town reflected the sculputure and archetecture of various periods. The structure on the hill such as the Ranganatha Temple reflects Chola culture, the Balakrishna Mandiram reflects Pallava culture and the Paruveta Mandapam reflects Vijayanagara Culture. Other structures include Chinna Masjid and pedda Masjid. A great Sufi Saint belonging to the 18th Century. Rahamathulla Nayab Rasool got absorbed in the higher selfhere. Every year the Sandal Festival is celebreated on the 26th of Rabi-UI-Aval month.